New Cosmetology Program opens

A new Cosmetology Program opened this month at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center Seminole Campus.

The basic Cosmetology class prepares students to enter the beauty industry with the skills necessary to become a licensed Cosmetologist. Students learn theory and hands-on skills to become competent in beautifying hair, complexion, hands, and feet. Students study the latest beauty industry techniques and work with clients in the well-equipped Cosmetology lab.

Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to take the required Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology Basic Cosmetologist licensure exam.

The program instructor, Pamela Frye, has 22 years of experience in the industry.

“A lot of people are surprised to learn that licensed Cosmetologists can make a good living depending on how hard they are willing to work,” Frye said. “Customers spend money for Cosmetology services even during times of recession.”

Wages vary widely for entry level positions from $16,000 per year up to $36,000. With experience, a licensed Cosmetologists can make $30,000 to $50,000 annually for a standard work week. A shop owner willing to put in long hours can earn even more than that, she said.

Cosmetology students learn the basics of hair care, starting with what hair is made of, what makes hair grow, keeping hair healthy, and the manipulating of hair to enhance aesthetic appearance. Students learn coloring techniques for highlighting such as foiling and cap highlights, she said.

Students also learn different degrees and angles of haircuts plus restructuring and retexturing of hair using perms and chemical straightening. Application of hair extensions and wig maintenance as well as styling are included in the curriculum.

Students plan to clean and style donated wigs as a community service project for the American Cancer Society, she said.

Students learn techniques for hair removal from eyebrows to legs and nail care. Instruction includes application of artificial nails, polish, French manicures, American manicures, plus nail art using acrylics, gel, and nail paint. Pedicure instruction includes appropriate care of the feet, especially when a client is dealing with health issues related to diabetes or neuropathy, she said.

The course also emphasizes what it takes to start and run a Cosmetology business from the ground up since many hair stylists are self-employed. Students learn state business requirements, basic information about taxes, budgeting, and cash flow.

The Cosmetology class is filled with area high school students this first year, but adult applicants will be considered starting next year, Frye said.

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The Gordon Cooper Technology Center Seminole Campus Cosmetology program is equipped with gleaming new facilities and equipment. The facility includes a classroom, office, and 20 hair stations equipped with adjustable chairs, mirrors, hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and clipper and trimmer sets. Each student has a drawer and cabinet to house supplies that he or she will be responsible for, Frye said.

The shop area is equipped with two pedi thrones, five shampoo stations with adjustable chairs and leg lifts, eight hooded hair dryers, a facial room with two automatic facial tables and two 9 in 1 facial machines.

Students will practice their skills on each other plus a limited number of clients from the public, she said.